Hi-Performance Racing Tires for Sports Cars: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re out for a top-down drive on the backroads of Chester or Bucks County or headed to test your new wheels out at the track, having top-notch tires equipped on your Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger can make all the difference.
What should you know in order to make a decision on the right hi-performance tires for your ride? In the following exploration of track-worthy tires, Automotive Training Center (ATC) took a closer look at the tire research process. Consider this fuel for thought when you think about the next upgrade to your sports car!
Summer is the Season for Hi-Performance Tires
There are a lot of tire varieties out there, but one of the most fundamental ways tires are categorized is by the season they’re fit for driving in. You’ve no doubt heard of winter tires, summer tires, and all-seasons—but which one is right for maximizing your engine’s power on dry pavement?
If you guessed summer, then you’re right! Because winter and all-season tires trade extra traction for the ability to hold their own in colder temperatures, summer is the seasonal variety you want for hi-performance tires. So, to narrow down your tire search, you’ll want to start by looking into summer or three-season tires.
Which Tires Offer the Most Grip?
Choosing the type of summer tire that will provide the most speed and traction for your unique needs requires learning a little lingo. There’s…
- Ultra high-performance summer tires: Want the versatility of reaching top speeds while also providing enough ride comfort for daily driving? If so, ultra high-performance summer tires are a good fit. Stay out of heavy rain or cold temps, and these tires will provide the extra grip and excitement you’re looking for.
- Max performance summer tires: These are the mid-runner of the performance tire clan, boasting a low profile and dry-condition-only treads.
- Extreme performance summer tires: With wide tread patterns and an inner build designed for racing applications, extreme performance summer tires offer the top-tier dry road performance in a hi-performance racing tire. Save these tires for a dry, sunny day at the test track.
Categorizing Your Need for Speed
How much speed do you need in a hi-performance tire? It’s a valid question, and one worth answering when you’re tire shopping for your sports car. A tire’s speed rating is going to be the last digit you see on its sidewall. Here’s what each letter corresponds to in MPH:
- H – 130 MPH
- V – 149 MPH
- W – 168 MPH
- Y – 186 MPH
Keep Optimizing Your Sports Car
The world of hi-performance racing tires can be tricky to navigate, but when you have the terminology down and know the level of performance of your ride, finding the ideal set is a cinch. After reading this post, you may be wondering, when it comes to performance tweaks and modifications, how much does a grippy tire contribute?
If you’re interested in learning more about the different elements that produce a hi-performance sports car’s jaw-dropping race times, download our free eBook about how to optimize engine power, handling, and brake response with bolt-on performance parts.
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